SL-16 R/B (18260)

COSPAR: 1987-065B | Alt Name: Zenit-2 No. 11L Stage 2
DECAYED

Image
SL-16 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 1, 1987

Launch Pad

LC45/1

Launch Vehicle

Zenit-2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18260

International Designator

1987-065B

Decay Date

8/3/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-16 R/B

Alternative Name

Zenit-2 No. 11L Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

UNKS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
A rocket body, also commonly referred to as an upper stage or spent rocket stage, is the structural shell left behind after a rocket has delivered its payload to orbit. These large and often heavy pieces of space hardware can remain in orbit for years, posing significant collision hazards as part of the growing space debris problem. If left uncontrolled, rocket bodies have the potential to reenter Earth's atmosphere unpredictably, which can lead to falling debris in populated areas. Additionally, they risk colliding with operational satellites or the International Space Station, creating more debris and putting human life at risk.
Physical Characteristics

Length

11.1

Diameter

3.9

Span

11.1

Dry Mass

9000

Launch Mass

9000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

11S772

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

YUZH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

11S772

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Force Kills Resilient GPS Program, China Tests Reusable Long March 12B | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Kills Resilient GPS Program, China Tests Reusable Long March 12B | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force terminates Resilient GPS satellite program. China successfully tests Long March 12B reusable first stage at Jiuquan. GE and Lockheed validate detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles.

X Report 24 Sep 2025

X Report 24 Sep 2025

SpaceX prepares for the launch of significant NASA and NOAA missions, while Starship's 11th test flight edges closer.

Top 10 Features You Didn't Know About Starlink

Top 10 Features You Didn't Know About Starlink

Discover the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's revolutionary Starlink satellite internet service, from Easter eggs to advanced technical features.

X Report 19 Dec 2025

X Report 19 Dec 2025

A partial breakup incident involving a Starlink satellite raised concerns, while SpaceX continued its ambitious projects and launches.

Starship V3 Static Fire Ignites 33 Engines, X Report 15 Apr 2026

Starship V3 Static Fire Ignites 33 Engines, X Report 15 Apr 2026

SpaceX fired all 33 Raptor 3 engines in the Starship V3 static fire at Starbase, clearing Flight 12. Plus 1,000 Starlink satellites launched in 2026.

Space Brief 26 May 2025

Space Brief 26 May 2025

Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.

X Report 7 Mar 2025

X Report 7 Mar 2025

Starship Flight 8 ends with mixed results as SpaceX successfully catches Super Heavy booster but loses the upper stage in a fiery breakup.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2024

Space Brief 18 Sep 2024

Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.